1969 4x4 new project

[bhayes1]

Hello all.

Just signed up Yesterday. I wanted to introduce myself and show you my future project I recently picked up.

I am not an expert on the 67-72 pick ups and wasn't specifically looking for one. I enjoy the outdoors and wanted something a little rough around the edges to take hunting and fishing on the weekends. My plan is to drive it as is for a while and eventually do an LSx swap basically just because I want to attempt one and the MPGs / reliability on long trips would be nice.

Currently this is what I think I have... some of the resident experts might know otherwise.

1969 Chevy LB 1/2 truck that someone put GMC parts on. (title says "chevy" and previous owner is saying the same thing).

350 SBC/ th350

3/4 ton axles (or are the 8 lug stock?)

truck used to have a flatbed on it from my understanding which is why the bed is a completely different color.

Factory AC cab

not much rust

gave $3,300 for it

Anyways, let me know what you think or if you see something I don't. Look forward to learning from you all.

[old Chevy guy]

Welcome to the board and congratulations on your purchase! Looks like a solid start for what ever you choose to make of it. Those are definitely 3/4 ton axles. Perhaps somebody did a body / chassis swap or just changed the axles to make it beefier. Try and research the vin and the spid sticker in the glovebox and you may get a clearer picture of what your dealing with. Good luck and post more pictures.

[outfield]

Look like a solid truck to start a fun project with!

[Tdrcreyn4]

Looks like a good truck. You'll have fun with it.

[57taskforce]

A spid pic would be awesome! Looks like a really good place to start! Welcome to the K club there are quite a bit of us on here with factory 4x4s.

[bhayes1]

Here are some pictures with some more info. Definitely looks like I have a mutt. I'm guessing somebody set the cab on a 3/4 truck chassis.

Also, The T-Case is leaking ATF pretty bad out where it connects to the front driveline. Seems to be a pretty common problem. Anyone have a handy link on a "how to" thread?

[57taskforce]

As long as you got it registered ok and your not after an original 4x4 there's nothing wrong with that truck in my opinion. True 4x4s are getting harder to find. If it's got little rust and runs and drives good you got a heck of a deal.

[bhayes1]

Just wanted to vent a little and give an update.

As it turns out my good deal wasn't that "good".

Since getting this truck home, it has been problematic. I have come to the conclusion that the previous owner wasn't exactly honest about...well anything.

First thing that had to be rebuilt was the T-Case. It was leaking everywhere. Hard to notice this because the Transmission was a little low on fluid when I purchased it (shifted fine). As soon as I topped it off the tranny fluid poured into the T-Case and leaked from various spots at a pace that was non-drivable. You could tell the PO was a shade tree mechanic and attempted to fix this but had not clue what he was doing.

Got that fixed and now... I think the motor is junk. Pretty sure the head gasket is leaking and I hear a small knock.

I've bought and sold plenty of vehicles on C/L and consider myself half way savy to seeing though the shady characters. I'll consider this some added education at my expense. Now deciding if I want to get rid of it and cut my losses or keep dumping some money into it. Looks like a stock crate motor can be had fairly cheap, but who knows what else is around the corner.

Also, found a little rust in the front fender. Impulse buys can get the best of you!

[flashed]

These trucks can be money pits but I would dump a little more into it ,still a good looking truck .

[kwmech]

For 3,300.00 dollars and a 3/4 ton 4x even with the (what I would minor so far) problems you're still doing OK

[custom10nut]

If your trans is good, you can get a crate motor for around $1500-2000 (about the same as rebuilding it yourself), and the you'll have a good reliable truck to enjoy, and collect parts, until you do the LS swap ( or not).